The sale of Regent to Apollo is expected to close in January. Now might be a good time to let them know, from a customer point of view and in the spirit of “continuous improvement,” what changes we’d like to see made to Regent’s award-winning product. Therefore I’d like to start a thread or even a poll around this idea.

Warning: This is not meant to be a complaint list. Rather is should be a compendium of items that we as cruisers would like to make the cruising experience even more enjoyable.

However, it need not be limited to things we’d like to see incorporated in a “new-build.”

Even small improvements can have great impact on customer enjoyment (and loyalty). For example, during the 2007 World Cruise, on his own volition and while enroute, Capt. Dag had a forward railing fabricated and installed on Deck 12…finally giving guests an unobstructed view forward. This area quickly became a favorite for photographers and passengers to watch the Voyager’s arrivals and departures, close passages, sunsets, etc.

Thus, to start things off:

• I would like to see a dramatic improvement in each ship’s satellite bandwidth. The world is rapidly changing and more and more people depend upon Internet connectivity, particularly on long voyages. Such an improvement would allow the use of program such a Skype to stay in touch with loved ones, share important life events, and more efficiently conduct business (if one were so inclined?).
• I believe Regent needs to institute an automatic disconnection of the Internet after a certain amount of time with no activity. Sometimes people (particularly those of us with free Internet) remain on-line for hours when they are in their cabins. I am not an expert, but I must think that this degrades connection speed or impacts bandwidth usage.

If this thread develops some good ideas, maybe Ngaire could bundle them up and share them with Mark Conroy and his new upper-management.

Larry, I think there is an automatic disconnection. I try to be very careful to log out when I get up from my laptop, but Mark called to me one day to come see something he was looking at and I got up and went. It took me a little while, and when I got back, I'm almost positive I had been automatically logged off.

And as to the satellite bandwidth, they may have to put another satellite or two up there for all these ships to share. I think there is a lack of that as much as anything else.

They could double the bandwidth by paying MTN for it but I understand the cost would also double. It would seem to be a worthwhile investment for guest satisfaction. Automatic disconnect after X minutes of inactivity would help a lot. I don't think they anticipated so many laptops being brought aboard when they gave free internet with so few nights on Regent. Skype takes a lot of bandwidth so that may not be an option to unblock it, so keep sailing on Regent and get free satellite phone use...

Larry, I like your idea of suggesting ideas in this thread so let's try to keep it on a positive note of what can be done rather than complaining about what isn't happening.
Jim

Having just come back from a 3-day cruise, it would be great if they could work more 3 or 4-day U.S.-based cruises into their itineraries. It makes for a great long weekend (not to mention a good opportunity for an early booking discount--the cruise consultant was crushed the whole time. they could pick up a lot of longer-cruise business this way).

Yes, more satellite capability would be great--to improve internet connectivity, to allow for Skype, and to pick up on more satellite broadcasts for the longer cruises so we can stay in touch with the world (I'd like them to add MSNBC to their news channel selections).

Any new ships should take the best elements of the existing fleet. Separate tubs and showers in the bathrooms. A coffee corner (there's one on the Navigator now--YEAH!). The promenade from the Marner.

Pam -- There wasn't an auto disconnect during the Voyager's World Cruise...if there is now, that's good.

I just got sticker shock looking at our 2009 invoices. Prices have increased so rapidly over a two to three year period that free liquor, free internet, free phone time, and a few other enhancements don't come close to equalling the increased outlay. At these prices, it is hard to tolerate poor service. The occassional experiences with poor Compass Rose service for breakfast and lunch, poor responsiveness from housekeeping, or poor Gold, Platinum, and Titanium events is harder to "laugh off" as "ship happens" when we are paying so much. Same thing is true with regard to scope of Compass Rose menus. Game meats seem to be less available than they have been in the past. I don't remember Ostrich once on my two cruises this year. I don't remember Elk either or Buffalo. Again, as prices reach the stratosphere these shortcomings become more annoying.

I have also heard "no" more often than in past. When we played cards in the afternoon in Horizon Lounge we could not get a drink. We ordered room service Bloody Mary's as there was no bar open on Deck 6. We were then told that Room Service could not (would not) deliver anywhere except a cabin. On the Mariner, I asked for a scotch at the Coffee bar (as it was only bar open on Deck 6. Although they had other liquor at the bar (for various coffee concoctions), they did not have scotch and they did not take the initiative after my request to stock scotch. When I made a comment at Singita Boulders that Johhnie Walker Blue was available at Singita Ebony, a bottle showed up the next day at Boulders....without being asked. Regent, with the prices they are charging, should have this level of service (no, I don't expect Blue to be gratis).

Larry, I don't know if these are the types of "improvements" that you were looking for but these came to mind....

.....after reviewing my new invoices.

Hmm .. off the top of my head (and avoiding repetition):

Another area of improvement is the fitness center. The number and quality of cardio machines is important. We were pleasantly surprised with the fitness program on Mariner in October. The addition of consult times with the fitness director is a great step in the right direction.

Dare I bring up the laundry room? They are a great convenience for guests. I'm a stickler for packing light and won't qualify for another decade for free laundry. Keeping the machines in working order is a key driver for this customer's satisfaction.

Internet: What Larry said

Things to keep:

The wide variety of dining venues. Four restaurants is one of the reasons we'll always choose Voyager or Mariner over Navigator. Signatures is a distinctive offering and should be kept.

The loyalty programs. When they were first announced, I was skeptical. For us, they work very well. To Marc's point, consider adding an additional discount and/or free nights for those with many, many nights to their credit.

Thanks for starting this thread, Larry!

There needs to be an improvement in the tier events. Definitely, Titanium events must be separate and superior not just included in the Platinum and Gold events. The Titanium members are not made to feel special.

Laundry Room- what Anne said

Shorter Cruises and particularly Caribbean trips need more daytime activities for those who do not wish to use the casino. Most passengers on our recent (11/30) Caribbean trip stayed onboard a good deal of time and not much was offered except an occasional game here or there. (I am not looking for the hairy chest, drinking games on mass market lines either!) They removed needlepoint as an activity and I would like that returned. (no laughing allowed)

Internet is indeed a problem and they should spend the money to correct it based on the new improved pricing! ;)

Cheers, Pam

Just one more comment on how to improve the internet: make sure reception is available in all suites. On my last trip the only way I could pick up a signal in my suite was to sit on the floor outside of the bathroom with my laptop up against the door to my suite. Not very comfortable.

Lauri --

Rather than sitting against the closed metal door, I found that propping it open just a small bit with something like a shoe increased Internet speed even over at the desk. It has to do with where the comm repeaters are in the corridor and the metal construction.

Maybe they could consider waving their new immediate ( starting with 2009 bookings) $200 cancellation fee for passengers with a certain number of days accumulated. Frankly, with this new cancelation policy I doubt I'll be doing any more onboard bookings far into the future.

How about one or two "all adult" cruises per year? Regent provides many wonderful cruises that include children -- adults need a little grown up time too:-)

Larry, not a bad idea, but sometimes you just don't want the door open (especially when traveling alone).

I agree with waving the cancellation fee after a certain number of nights.

Keep the coffee bars...the one on Mariner is fantastic!

How about offering a choice of bath amenities? Often what one person thinks smells wonderful, another can't stand or it makes them itch or does bad things to their hair etc.

Bring back the society discount on ALL cruises. The society program overall needs to be re-looked at.

Seperate tubs and showers and double sinks in the bathrooms.

Include the next day's menus with the nightly Passages. They don't have to full size, just a listing of what is offered at each venue.

I agree with Pam about the need for more onboard activities...not much offered on the 11/30 cruise...even the hairy chest stuff would have been fun!!!

I'd like to see more exercise class options with some longer sessions and more reasonable prices and some "specials" in the spa. I'd also like to see more adventurous cuisine offerings tied to the destination.

I'd be horrified...but that's just me. :eek:

I'd like to see cuisine tied to the ports, too (like spiny lobster???). We did have venison, pheasant, and ostrich on the Navigator; I had the first two and they were heavenly. The ostrich was in a stir-fry with cilantro, and I simply can't stand cilantro (got a salad once that was apparently all cilantro and no lettuce).

I would like to see them re-assess the no smoking policy in cabins and balconies. As Marc pointed out, their prices are getting higher, and I noticed the single supplement for category 'c' is now 75% instead of 40%, there should be some way to accommodate the 12-15% of smokers in their cabin and/or balcony.
Lynn

I'm not smart enough to come up with my own suggestions so I'll just say that I agree with a LOT of the points made so far.

Masaki

Many good ideas....This is a fun thread

A comment was made about on board activities. I have found that the CD nakes the difference/ On the Voyager, Jamie had many morning, noon and afternoon activities while Barry was lacking. As Barry told me, he is just not a gamer.

75% single supplement? Ouch! I wonder if it would be possible for a new ship to have a small number of "single" cabins? Didn't some ships used to have these?

I agree. The CD can set the tone for the whole cruise. I personally like lots of activities. What I would like them to upgrade are their lectures. Some times they are great but most are just ok and a some are a great hour to have a nap. I also hate when they have a really interesting discussion with lots of questions wanting to be asked it is cut short by the theater needing to be used for something else. Need to schedule in some flex time.

Travelcat,
Except for Caribbean, Alaska and Christmas, New Years cruises most of the Regent cruises are basically child free. About 90% of my cruise days have had either no kids or maybe 3 or 4 who stay out of the way. We consider Regent an "Adult Cruise Line."

Pam,
The Mariner always had cuisine tied to the ports on South America & Grand Asia cruises. In fact, they usually get specialty fish and other foods from the local markets. I'd like to see Lattitudes on the Mariner do more region specific menus like the Voyager does.

Jim

Jim, that's interesting! We had asked Guisseppi, at dinner, if they did this and he said no. That almost everything is provisioned in Florida, and sent by container to various ports. That's what I was going by, and the fact that we didn't have any kind of Caribbean seafood except for a few stone crab claws that could have come from about anywhere. We didn't even have a "fish grill" day on pool deck.

Pam, Jim is correct. The Executive Chef is allowed to provision fresh fruit and vegetables and fish from approved suppliers or markets in various regions per Cornell Rueland from Voyager. We had several fresh fish options on Cross.

Now that with the Apollo acquistion, which in turn is supposed to add more capex muscle, when are we going to see an all Hawaii itinerary-cruise from Regent???!!!

All new ships including the small ones size of navigator and PG should be all balcony ;)

Also is there a way to wrestle the PG from Grand Circle Travel's clutches?

I pretty much agree with everyone else's suggestions

One area of improvement I see needed pertains to the new restrictive smoking policy going into effect. On this Mariner cruise we're on, the connoisseur club is used for private functions (last night it was closed for a "Mariner Club" party). They need to stop using this room for private functions on all the ships. Another thing is STARS. It is listed as a place where you can smoke but there are no ashtrays. The only time you can get an ash tray is at night when there's a bartender there to ask for one. They need to leave ashtrays out during the day and night even when no bartender is present.

Just a note the 75% is for a C cabin and most singles take a regular cabin where the single supplement is still 40% and sometimes less on selected sailings (not many though most are 40%)

Analuisa - do you know if the all-Hawaii itinerary means they need an all-American crew? If so, that'll be a tough order at a reasonable cruise fare.

We can wish .. Cheers, Anne

Ngaire, you beat me to the punch. I was going to re-iterate to Lauri that the 75% was for "C"class, which used to be 40%, not the other categories. Thanks.
Lynn

Anne - NCLAmerica is a special case...authorized by Congress (Sen Inouye) as a subsidiary of NCL...must have an all-American crew...and I beleive the hulls are registered in US...thus can go from American to American ports (without going to Fanning Island), or without a run to a foreign port (such as the other lines have to do out of Seattle to Alaska or those who go from LA or San Francisco (the Jones Act). So, Regent couldn't do an all US cruise even with an all-American crew.

Thanks for clarifying, Larry. I thought there are a bunch of hurdles to doing Hawaii only cruises.

Cheers, Anne

Improved internet would be of great benefit for almost all of the passengers. I think this is the number one priority.

More definition between the tier levels, particuarly Platinum and Titanium.
Some free cruise nights or upgrades certificates on an availability basis.

PASSENGER PARTICIPATION
More unique passenger participation events. Is it is amazing what people will do for a token. Trivia is a highlight of many peoples day. Maybe select the entertainers who read the trivia based on their ability to handle this event. I feel so sorry for the young kids who cannot pronounce many words and get eaten alive in the Horizon Lounge.
Beef up those types of activities with some new ideas.

Maybe some better token redemptions. Although I do think it is the thrill of winning not the redemptions that people care about.

Dancing with the Stars - that just took place on the Mariner caused more excitement and interest than any entertainer I have ever seen on a ship. What a great prize $2500 future cruise certificate!

I heard they did a crew talent show and had passengers judge on the Navigator. People talked about that, it was a huge success.

Iron Chef cookoff - how about Regent Chef cookoff. They have the portable cooking stations. It may be a problem with liability but it sure would pack them in the constellation theatre if guests were cooking.

TV shows. There are so many popular TV shows that have huge audiences that could be adapted to shipboard life. Particuarly on crossings and longer voyages.

Needlepoint - Pam is that not happening? That is so popular I am surprised. Perhaps they dont have it on shorter port intensive trips but it should be offered. There are always the needlepointers and it is a social event.

We all have different interests. Some could not care about token "opportunities" others thrive on them. A ship has to cater for all types of people.

Quality lecturers on pertinent topics are of course very important as are good headline entertainers and good lounge music.

Improved TV in the cabin is coming with movies on demand.

Regional food does happen. It probably varies from cruise to cruise. On the April crossing the Voyager picked up white asparagus locally in prime season. Then they had a menu focused totally on white asparagus ---- I will NEVER forget that meal it was fantastic.

Lauri - I like the idea of the menus in the nightly passages. I think that is great. They were not on the TV on the Mariner and the guests missed not having the menus available.

Like on PANDA Marc and I had fun getting all the tokens we could. Any tokens on ICE?

Ngaire, we participated in an Iron Chef cookoff on the Voyager on our transatlantic. Our team was a disaster. We had one lady that wanted to do her own thing so we had a totally separate dish as part of our group presentation. Still, it was quite fun.

On our first New Year's eve cruise, they had a pre-dinner drawing for various prizes. Arlene won a bottle of Dom. The big prize was a free cruise. I don't see why they can't give away free cruises now and then.

I sure would appreciate the ability to earn free cruises or at least upgrades. After our next cruise we will hit 140 nights; on Seabourn this would equal a free cruise. At least give out two category upgrades.

Better internet would be great but at what expense? They have given away free internet to so many people. Can they now go back and take it away from Silver? I would like them to unblock skype but, they give us all free phone time too so it is not that big of a deal (for me).

If I were Silver and got my internet taken away, I would really be upset, as I was when they took away free pressing from Gold! Free internet is the BEST perk, and no other line offers it.

We are still Silver (six more nights to Gold!) and I'd keel over dead if they took my internet away. Mark goes to bed really early, and my internet keeps me company.

I cannot forsee them taking away free internet for Silver. It would be a complete mutiny.

I did not know they had done a cookoff. I am glad at least they are trying that kind of thing more often.

The expense of faster internet is of course a huge factor but if there was one thing that would make the largest majority of passengers happy it would be faster internet.